What We’re Thankful For

by Rebecca Wolfe

The Zidisha community has a lot to be thankful for this year — entrepreneurs are thriving, communities are growing, and lives are changing for the better. We are grateful to our lenders for sharing their funds and support, to our volunteers for tirelessly working to keep Zidisha running smoothly, and to our borrowers for inspiring us and making this community possible. As Zidisha’s home country, the United States, celebrates its national holiday of Thanksgiving, it seemed a perfect time to express our gratitude for this amazing group of people.  

Thank you to all who are a part of the Zidisha community. Thank you for working hard and sharing your wisdom, for helping those around you in their times of need. Thank you for being people of generosity, compassion, leadership, and action, making this world a better place every single day.

In this same spirit of thanks, here are some messages of gratitude from the Zidisha community:

Joseph, Borrower, Kenya

“I am very much grateful to the great Zidisha fraternity for the great and wonderful things you have done… changing the lives of many around the world… thanks to … the technical team that makes sure that the system is smooth and working, the staff who volunteer their precious time for the success of this platform, Zidisha lenders who trust us with their money to see us succeed in our projects, the Zidisha VMs who volunteer their time for the success of this great platform, and also all the trustworthy borrowers who make sure they honour their agreements. I love you more dear friends.”

Alejandra, Operations Coordinator, Mexico

“I’m grateful for the gift of trust that nourishes our community.  I’m grateful for being part of an amazing team of wonderful, selfless and giving people that volunteer for Zidisha.”

Lucky, Borrower, Kenya

“My children were able to go to school, eat and grow healthier. My parents benefited greatly with my progress and now they are able to put food on the table with my help. I am very grateful to you lenders and Zidisha organization. Thank you everyone.”

Dennis Matacho, Borrower, Kenya

“Dear lenders, thanks for the continued financial support. You have given me a reason to live, because life without you is just surviving and not really living. This loan that I am raising is to help me to realize a distant dream… Thanks, lenders, for all your efforts in making my dream come true and my life happy.”

Laurie, Anglophone and Francophone Liaison, USA

“I am very, very grateful for the unusual kindness of so many of the people I’ve met through Zidisha: borrowers, lenders, and teammates on staff. In addition, I am extremely grateful for the ability to work with Zidisha from home in the afternoon or evening and well into the night; not having to commute to work and especially not having to work mornings helps a born night-owl like me to maintain good health! What else I’m most grateful for is the opportunity to help students and entrepreneurs with a hand up toward their dreams… As so many of our borrowers often say, ‘Long Live Zidisha!’”

Julia, Zidisha founder, USA

“Six years ago we made our first loan to help an entrepreneur in a remote settlement in Kenya acquire a cow.  Today, our community is over 76,000 strong and has funded over $7.6 million worth of loans.  I’m so impressed and grateful for the way people all over the world have come together to turn Zidisha into a force for growth and opportunity in the places where it’s most needed.  This is an incredible legacy, and each Zidisha entrepreneur, lender, volunteer and team member has our sincere thanks.”